After two years of scarcely a challenge in the NCAA Tournament, UConn finally faced a stiff test against Florida. UConn rolled to national championships in 2023 and 2024 but struggled early in 2025. They never truly found their footing, earning an eight-seed in the NCAA Tournament. The first round would be a struggle, but everyone had the game against Florida circled. It didn’t disappoint. UConn would have to do something they hadn’t done in a while: finish an elimination game down the stretch. They failed. The chances of a three-peat are officially over for UConn after Florida beat them 77-75 on Sunday afternoon. So what’s next for the Huskies? Will they be able to establish themselves again next season? What’s next for Florida? Are they a Final Four favorite after surviving the Round of 32?
UConn Three-peat Falls Short: What’s Next for Florida and UConn?
UConn’s Down Year Only a Bump in the Road
Dan Hurley is an elite coach. They were clearly an upset contender when the bracket was released, but the talent wasn’t there with this squad. They may lose stars like Liam McNeely to the draft, but this team doesn’t have the NBA talent like the previous two. However, Hurley already has elite talent coming in. 247sports.com already has UConn signing three five-star recruits for the Class of 2025. This was a disappointing year, but UConn will return as strong as ever next season.
Some transfers will likely come in. The Huskies should look for shooting. the Huskies shot poorly from three against Florida, the main reason UConn’s three-peat fell short. They were 91st in three-point percentage this season. They also could use some more size in the form of an elite center like Donovan Clingan was for them in their previous national championship runs. Long story short, UConn isn’t going anywhere.
Florida is the Favorite in the West
After ending UConn’s three-peat and Arkansas’ upset win over St. John’s on Saturday, Florida is now the clear favorite to come out of the West. Texas Tech is alive and so is Maryland. However, most people believed their biggest tests would be the Huskies and the Red Storm. Colorado State or Maryland will be waiting in the Sweet 16 to play spoiler to the Gators, but Florida showed their ability to finish a game against a team that hasn’t lost in this tournament since 2022.
Florida is one of the few teams that has a top-11 offensive and defensive efficiency, something that will translate to any stadium and any game. Maryland is top-25 in both, so they certainly could have a test. If the Rams upset the Terrapins, Colorado State would come into the game on a 12-game win streak. It may not be the test people thought it would be, but their road won’t be easy. However, Florida will be the heavy favorite to represent the West bracket in the Final Four.
A Last Word on UConn’s Failed Three-peat
UConn was going for something historic. Only UCLA in the 1960s and 1970s ever won more than two national championships in a row. In an era where rosters change at such a rapid pace, UConn was able to win back-to-back national championships. That is something that shouldn’t be understated. UConn was outmatched against Florida on Sunday, ending their three-peat hopes. However, their heart, their composure, and their elite coaching showed despite a loss on Sunday. UConn’s 13-game winning streak in the NCAA Tournament ended, but they will always be remembered for their rare chance at a three-peat.
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